In continuation of the implementation of the Performance Improvement Action Plan (PIAP) activities and the PDO for Q4, Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC) actively participated in a crucial online SURWASH Mission discussion. The focus of the meeting, held on Monday, 20 November 2023, centered around the Planning/Program Expenditure Framework (PEF).

As part of the midterm review process, the virtual gathering witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, including all implementing agencies, program implementing units, and representatives from the World Bank. Each participating state under the SURWASH initiative presented progress reports, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing implementation of the Performance Improvement Action Plan.

Engr. Emeka Celestine Ugoanyanwu, the Managing Director/CEO of ISWSC, provided insights into the current status of the Corporation’s activities. Emphasizing a nuanced perspective on the timeline, he highlighted that the inaugural year primarily served as a planning phase for the implementing agencies (IAs). Year 2, he noted, focuses on the PIAP, setting the stage for the program’s main implementation, which is slated to commence in Year 3.

Ugoanyanwu appealed for an extension, noting that the assessment of hard components’ implementation should not commence with Year 1 but rather in Year 3 of the program. Responding to this plea, the World Bank offered valuable observations and suggestions aimed at enhancing the performance of the implementing agencies.

In a comprehensive overview, the meeting delved into the yearly projections of the program expenditure for 2023 and 2024. It is noteworthy that the workplan/Program-for-Results (PforR) is derived directly from the PEF, forming a crucial aspect of the strategic roadmap for the upcoming phases of the initiative.

Christopher Ononukwe
Communications Desk Officer